Senior Pupils: Understanding the Grades/Modules

(Students in Year 7-13) 

At this juncture, pupils move onto Level 2 (Grades 4-5) and finally Level 3 exams (Grades 6-8). For Grades 4 & 5, we would still recommend 2 exams a year, however if the pressures of school life are making this difficult, we can adapt to one annual exam. For Grades 6+, we suggest a year to prepare  per exam.  

There are the below modules the children can choose from:    

•  Verse and Prose 

•  Reading for Performance 

•  Acting 

•  Public Speaking 

•  Shakespeare, Level 2 & 3 

Advanced Verse and Prose 

For Levels 2 & 3 exams (Grade 4-8) pupils learn poetry and literature to  recite in their exam. They are also asked to perform some sight reading,  and for Grade 7 & 8, a sonnet. There is extensive theory on the technical elements behind performing poetry and prose. This grade is an excellent accompaniment to English Literature GCSE and A-Level.  Verse and Prose is a good structured module, which helps students to build confidence in general and develop an appreciation  of poetry and literature.

Advanced Reading for Performance 

For Levels 2 & 3 (Grade 4-8) pupils perform a recital of three verse and prose pieces (and a dramatic monologue option for Level 3), around a theme of their choice. Their recital is interspersed with public speaking elements, and they are expected to consider staging for a visually dynamic overall performance. Excellent for encouraging wider reading, working on sight reading abilities and blending acting, poetry/literature and public speaking. We often find the focus of choosing a theme and developing their ideas with detailed research helps encourage independent thinking about what they personally are interested in - fostering wider reading and development.

Advanced Acting 

For Levels 2 & 3 pupils perform thought provoking monologues from a broad range of plays, developing character and dramatic understanding. For Level 3 exams  (Grade 6-8), pupils must perform one classical piece, one modern piece  (and for Grades 7-8, a third piece from 1800-2000). Akin to drama school  auditions, the advanced acting grades are perfect for pupils looking to work in the professional acting world, and those who are passionate about drama. A natural complement to GCSE Drama and A-Level Theatre Studies, for serious performers this gives them a chance to have 1-1 coaching from professionals and truly hone their craft. 

Advanced Public Speaking 

For Levels 2 & 3, pupils prepare and perform 2 presentations, on a variety  of subjects, exploring different styles of public speaking, and taking into  account how to adapt a speech for a specific audience. For Level 3 exams  (Grade 6+), pupils also have to perform an impromptu speech in the exam,  which they are given 15 minutes before the exam takes place. Excellent for  learning presentation and public speaking skills, valuable in numerous future career paths. These modules are also very popular on our adult professional development courses. We find throughout life we are asked to present and speak in public for all sorts of reasons, but rarely are we taught in school how to successfully do this. Our classes here help young adults gain valuable insight and confidence. 

Advanced Shakespeare 

Here pupils perform Shakespeare soliloquies and stage scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, as well as perform a Sonnet for Level 3. As well as detailed characterisation and an understanding of how to speak Shakespeare’s  verse, the examiner also expects extensive knowledge of both the play texts  selected, and the life, writing style and influence of William Shakespeare. Great for Shakespeare enthusiasts, and a brilliant addition to English Literature GCSE and A-Level. Alongside the Advanced Acting modules, this module is a great option for serious performers looking to master Shakespeare.   

Options after Grade 8?

On completing Grade 8 in one module, many pupils opt to take another Grade 8 in a different subject -maximising their understanding and ability in a broader range of disciplines. There is also the Shakespeare Level 3 qualification above. And finally, for Year 13 - adult pupils, there is the P-Cert LAM -a diploma in performance, for our most advanced and dedicated pupils. We can provide further information on the application.